DUNKMAN, Shaquille O’Neal‘s world’s first professional dunk league, is free and open to the public. If you’re in Atlanta this summer, this should be on your calendar.
The inaugural DUNKMAN season kicks off Tuesday, July 21, at 8 p.m. ET, with all five live events taking place at the Overtime Elite Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Fans can attend the live tapings for free, and based on what Shaq and his team have put together, this is shaping up to be more than a dunk contest.
It’s a full spectacle: cinematic lights, mind-blowing stunts, and jaw-dropping athleticism from 24 of the best dunkers on the planet.
O’Neal serves as founder and league commissioner. “The NBA’s dunking contest over the last ten to fifteen years has been terrible,” Shaq told Variety. “We want the best dunkers around the world, and we know there are a lot of great dunkers out there.” He added: “These athletes are innovators and Dunkman is going to give them a global stage, real stakes, and a chance to build careers doing what they love. We are transforming dunking from a one-night contest to the fastest growing professional sport off two feet.”
The league’s roster includes three-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner Mac McClung, joined by China’s top dunker Dengxing Chen, Tyler Currie, Isaiah Rivera, and 20 others from across the globe.
The format runs four group stage events, July 21, July 28, August 4, and August 11, with the top performers advancing to the DUNKMAN World Championship on August 25, where one athlete will walk away with a $500,000 grand prize, the largest prize in dunk history.
Providing commentary throughout the season are dunk legend Vince Carter, NBA champion Draymond Green, hoops creator CashNasty bringing the fan perspective, and host Adam Lefkoe.
The live events air on TNT and HBO Max, with additional content hitting Bleacher Report, House of Highlights, and YouTube, but if you want to be in the room, Atlanta is the place to be.
Tickets are free. Tapings run approximately five hours from arrival time. Sign up at dunkman.com to be notified and secure your spot.
